No, I didn't think this particular cat "was a goner", but it seems my previous posting has been more than a little controversial. (Note to readers: please use the comment form below rather than e-mailing me directly, otherwise it looks like I'm censoring, which I'm not. The debate isn't just healthy, but necessary, and I … Continue reading …the very next day…
When Schroedinger’s Cat Came Back
I think I'm suffering from a proximity effect, mentioned before - I've become so close and so invested in the el Sistema movement that I forget that the ideas and concepts behind it aren't well known... or aren't universally agreed upon, for that matter. There's confusion and misunderstanding, and we're not helping. We've started throwing … Continue reading When Schroedinger’s Cat Came Back
To learning much inclined…
I'm currently at the El Sistema conference in Los Angeles, an event jointly hosted by El Sistema USA, the LA Phil and the League of American Orchestras, and I was having a great time until the umpteenth person mentioned my blog in passing, thus making me feel very guilty about the dearth of recent updates. … Continue reading To learning much inclined…
Seeing (la) red
It's been just under three weeks since my last post, and more air miles than I'd care to remember right now. I'm back in Caracas for the moment, after a whirlwind North American tour that included auditions with two major orchestras within the space of a week. I'm happy to say I made the final … Continue reading Seeing (la) red
Practical but imperfect in every other way…
Not too long ago I was described as someone close to the el Sistema movement as a "hardened skeptic." I found the attempted insult or condescension interesting. I'm not sure if my "hardened skepticism" manifests in my blog, but upon further reflection I think it might actually be something of a compliment. Musicians are an … Continue reading Practical but imperfect in every other way…
Il Maestro dice…
Last week the Fellows watched a short documentary on el Sistema, filmed and released in 1999 by a European production company. The content itself was largely unsurprising, presenting a nominal snapshot of the organization as it existed 11 years ago, with the most intriguing element coming from Dr. Abreu himself. He was featured fairly prominently … Continue reading Il Maestro dice…
Carachaos Theory
I met Dr. José Antonio Abreu today. I can't and won't reproduce in any detail the discourse that took place, but the impression he left was profound, and I would say that even if I were not aware of his tremendous leadership of the movement and his manifest accomplishments. He's not particularly animated, employing very … Continue reading Carachaos Theory
Kaiser Role
if ticket revenue is no longer sufficient to cover expenses, even if all performances were sold out, then the operating principle for symphonies has fundamentally changed. Orchestras cannot consider themselves in the concert-giving business, but in the relationship-building business.
Defining moments
When we speak of "Social Justice," can we demonstrate measurably its effect or impact in a manner that is consonant with the phrase? Or at the ultimate extension, can we possibly compensate a child through "Social Justice" for being born into poverty, famine, or war?
Jonathan Andrew Govias 